To Find Your Way by the North Star
Categories: Iii CampingAt night you will have the same reliable guide that has ever been the
mariner's friend, and if you do not know this star guide, lose no time
in finding it.
Polaris or pole-star is known generally as North Star, and this star is
most important to the outdoor girl. At all times the North Star marks
the north, its position never changes, and seeing that star and _knowing
it_, you will always know the points
Star and you face the north. At your right hand is the east, at your
left hand is the west, and at your back is the south.
The North Star does not look very important because it is not very
bright or very large, and were it not for the help of the Big Dipper,
which every one knows, the North Star would not be easy to find. The
diagram given on page 37 shows the relative position of the stars and
will help you to find the North Star. The two stars forming the front
side of the bowl of the Great Dipper point almost in a direct line to
the North Star, which is the last one in the handle of the Little
Dipper, or the tail of the Little Bear, which means the same thing.
More
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Square Knots. Hitching Knots. Other Knots
Every outdoor girl should know what knots to use for various purposes and how to tie them, but only those which will be found useful on the trail are given here. ... Stalking
You may stalk an animal by remaining quiet as well as by following its trail. To even see some of the inhabitants of woods, fields, and shore you must be willing to exercise great patience and conform to their method of hiding by remaining absolutel... Stalking the Ruffed Grouse
If you want to see the birds, stalk them when you hear their call. Wait until you locate the direction of the sound, then walk silently and follow it. As soon as the birds are sighted slip from one tree to another, stopping instantly when you think ... Stepping in and out of a Boat
To step on the gunwale (the edge of the boat) will naturally tip it and most likely turn it over. One should always step directly into the _middle_ in order to keep the boat evenly balanced, and in getting out, step _from_ the middle. Stepping on th... Stockings
Select your stockings with care. Let them be of wool, strong, soft, and absolutely satisfactory when the shoe is on. The aim of the entire camp dress is to have it so comfortable and well adapted to outdoor life that you will forget it; think no mor... Sunlight and Shadow
Bearing in mind that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, it will be comparatively easy to keep your right course by consulting the sun. A fair idea may also be gained of the time of day by the length of shadows, if you remember that shad... Sweet Viburnum. Nanny-Berry. Sheepberry
The fruit of the sweet viburnum, nanny-berry or sheepberry, is said to be edible. It grows on a small tree, of the honeysuckle family, in the woods and by the streams from Canada to Georgia and west as far as Missouri. The tree has a rusty, scaly ba... Swimming
If you will realize that your body is buoyant, not a dead weight in the water, and that swimming should come as naturally to you as to the wild creatures, it may help you to gain the confidence so essential in learning to swim. If you are not afraid... Taking the Picture
As the animal approaches the camera grasp your cord firmly and steady your nerves to act quickly, and when it is in focus, not before, give a quick, firm pull to the cord, releasing it immediately, and the thing is done. Don't become excited at the ... Tents
Tents in almost endless variety of shapes and sizes are manufactured and sold by camp-outfitters and sporting-goods shops. The tents range from small canoe-tents, accommodating one person only, to the large wall-tents for four or more people. When u... Terms Used in Knot-Tying
There are three different kinds of bends that are given a rope in the process of tying a knot, and each bend has its own name. You must learn these in order to understand the directions for knot-tying; they are: the _bight_, the _loop_, and the _rou... The Camp-Fire
The outdoor fire in camp bespeaks cheer, comfort, and possibilities for a hot dinner, all of which the camper appreciates. ... The Clean-Up
While resting after dinner is the time for story-telling; then, before taking part in sports of any kind, every particle of debris, even small bits of egg-shell and paper, should be gathered up and burned until not a vestige remains. To be "good spo... The One-Day Camp
Even a one-day camp fills the hours with more genuine lasting enjoyment than girls can find in other ways; there is a charm about it which clings in your memory, making a joy, later, of the mere thought and telling of the event. That every moment... The Parcel Slip-Knot
This is the simplest of all knots to start with in tying up a parcel. Begin by making a knot about one inch from the end of your twine, using the single tie like _F_ (Fig. 65). If this does not make the knot large enough use the figure-eight knot. T... The Plough
It is more difficult to produce fire by the plough method than with the bow, but it can be done. The appliances are simple enough. All you need is a fireboard in which a groove or gutter has been cut, and a rubbing-stick to push up and down the gutt... The Start
The day before you leave for your camping-ground, have everything in readiness that there may be no delay when it is time to go. Be prompt, for you want to play fair and not keep the other girls waiting, causing them to lose valuable time. The st... The Tourniquet
To stop the bleeding press the artery _above_ the wound firmly with your fingers while some one prepares a tourniquet. Use a handkerchief, a necktie, or anything of the kind for a tourniquet; tie it loosely around the limb and in the bandage place a... Thornless Blackberry
The sweetest of all varieties is said to be the thornless blackberry. It ripens later than the others and has no thorns. The leaves are long and narrow. ... Timber-Hitch
When you want a temporary fastening, secure yet easily undone, make a _timber-hitch_ (Fig. 70). Pass the rope around an object, take a half-hitch around the rope, and pass the short end once more between the rope and the object. ... Timing Without a Watch
You can time it without a watch by counting in this way: one-and-two-and-three-and-up to the number of seconds required. One-and is one second. When the seconds have been counted, press the bulb again and if the camera has not moved you should ... Tinder
All is now ready for creating a spark, but that spark cannot live alone, it must have something it can ignite before there will be a flame. What is wanted is tinder, and tinder can be made of various materials, all of which must be _absolutely dry_.... To Find Your Way by the North Star
At night you will have the same reliable guide that has ever been the mariner's friend, and if you do not know this star guide, lose no time in finding it. Polaris or pole-star is known generally as North Star, and this star is most important to ... To Know an Animal Trail
To know an animal trail from one made by men is quite important. It is easy to be led astray by animal trails, for they are often well defined and, in some cases, well beaten. To the uninitiated the trails will appear the same, but there is a differ... Toadstools
Unless you are an expert in distinguishing non-poisonous mushrooms from the poison toadstool, _leave them all alone_. Many deaths occur yearly from eating toadstools which have been mistaken for the edible mushrooms. ... Treading Water
In treading water you maintain an upright position as in walking. Some one says: "To tread water is like running up-stairs rapidly." Try running up-stairs and you will get the leg movement. While the water is up to your neck, bend your elbows and br... Treatment for Snake-Bites
If the unlikely should chance to happen and one of your party is bitten by a poisonous snake, first aid should be given _immediately_, and if a physician is within reach he should be summoned as quickly as possible. Much depends, however, upon what ... Trees
While on the trail you will find a knowledge of trees most useful, and you should be able to recognize different species by their manner of growth, their bark and foliage. ... Trotting-Horse
It is warranted to put in circulation even the most sluggish blood and to warm the coldest feet, and it is fine for the almost frosty weather we sometimes have in the mountains. The players form a circle in marching order; that is, each girl faces... Underwear
For girl campers the light-weight, pure-woollen underwear is best, especially if you locate in the mountains, or the Canadian or Maine forests. On cold days two light-weight union garments are warmer than one of heavy weight. Wool is never clammy an... Upset
Should there be an upset keep hold of your paddle, it will help to keep you afloat, then if you can reach your craft and hold to it without trying to climb upon it you can keep your head above water until help arrives or until you can tread water to... Use of Compass
Should you be on the trail and sudden storm-clouds appear, the sun cannot help you find your way; the shadows have gone. Moss on tree-trunks is not an infallible guide and you must turn to the compass to show the way, but unless you understand its l... Vary the Game
You can vary this game by giving the calls of wild animals and the characteristic noises they make when frightened or angry. Living even for a short time in the wild will develop unsuspected faculties and qualities in your make-up, and to perfect ... Water
Pure drinking water you _must_ have, it is of _vital_ importance, so be sure to pitch your camp within near walking distance of a good spring, a securely covered well, or other supply of pure water. Henry David Thoreau's method of obtaining clear ... Water-Hemlock
Water-hemlock is similar in appearance and in effect. It is found in wet places and on the borders of swamps. The remedies are the same as for poison-hemlock. ... Water-Moccasin, Cottonmouth
The water-moccasin is ugly, and ugly all the way through. Its deadly viciousness is not redeemed by any outward beauty. Its average length is three and a half feet, though it is occasionally longer. Its unlovely body is thick and the color of greeni... What the Outdoor World Can Do for Girls.
There is a something in you, as in every one, every man, woman, girl, and boy, that requires the tonic life of the wild. You may not know it, many do not, but there is a part of your nature that only the wild can reach, satisfy, and develop. The... What to Photograph and How
You cannot depend entirely upon your memory to recall the sights and adventures of the trail, and will be only half-equipped if you go without a camera and note-book. Several clicks of the camera will record the principal events, while your note-b... What to Put in Your Pack
Open out your pack-cloth flat on the floor, and place your folded mattress-bag in the centre. Fill the pillow-bag with your first-aid case and case of toilet articles, and if there is space for other things pack them in. Lay the pillow-bag on top... When an Artery is Cut
When an artery is cut the wound is more serious and the bleeding must be stopped _immediately_. When the blood comes from an artery it is bright red in color and flows copiously in spurts or jets. The blood in the arteries is flowing away from the h... When You Strike the Trail
For any journey, by rail or by boat, one has a general idea of the direction to be taken, the character of the land or water to be crossed, and of what one will find at the end. So it should be in striking the trail. Learn all you can about the path... Wild Grapes
There are several varieties of wild grapes, all, I think, edible but not all pleasant to the taste. The fox-grape is sweet, but has a musky flavor and odor, a thick skin, and a tough pulp. The fruit ripens in September but few care to eat it. The vi... Wild Nuts. Black Walnuts
Of all the wild-growing foods, nuts are, perhaps, the most nutritious. The _black walnut_, not plentiful in the Atlantic States but abundant in the Middle States and in the Mississippi Valley, has a rich, wild flavor, and a deep-brown stain for the ... Wild Plums. Canada Plum
There is a wild plum that is found in our New England States and in Canada known as the Canada plum. The plant grows along fences, in thickets, and by the side of streams. The plum is from one inch to one and a half inches long and is red or orange ...